Habits increasing dementia risk include smoking, excessive alcohol, poor diet, inactivity, social isolation, insufficient sleep, and poor management of health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression, and hearing/vision loss, with physical inactivity and head injuries also being significant factors. Addressing these lifestyle factors, including early education and managing air pollution, can significantly reduce your chances of developing dementia.
Reduce your risk of dementia
Our infographic showing 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, which includes:
Eat a balanced diet — such as the Mediterranean diet — that's rich in vegetables, fruits and lean protein, particularly protein sources containing omega-3 fatty acids. Be physically and socially active, including engaging in aerobic exercise. Maintain a healthy weight. Take care of your mental health.
Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60–70% of cases. Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally.
A large study found that older adults who took vitamin D had a 40% lower chance of developing dementia than those who didn't. You can get vitamin D from food like fish, eggs, and vitamin D-fortified milk.
Studies have found that skipping breakfast is a risk factor for diabetes, and potentially also dementia.
Age. The biggest risk factor for dementia is ageing. This means as a person gets older, their risk of developing dementia increases a lot. For people aged between 65 and 69, around 2 in every 100 people have dementia.
Our results confirm that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantially increased risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease.
Get Your Regular Exercise In
Alzheimer's prevention begins with regular exercise. The Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation states that regular exercise can reduce your risk of Alzheimer's by up to 50 percent.
The researchers found dementia risk decreased with higher amounts of physical activity. Dementia risks were 60% lower in participants in the 35 to 69.9 minutes of physical activity/week category; 63% lower in the 70 to 139.9 minutes/week category; and 69% lower in the 140 and over minutes/week category.
Quality Sleep
A good night's sleep does more than just help you feel rested. It is when the brain does its cleanup work. While you sleep, your brain sorts and stores memories. It also clears out waste and toxins that build up during the day.
The number one trigger for dementia behavior is unmet needs, especially unrecognized physical or emotional discomfort. This means the person with a dementia diagnosis is trying to communicate something they can't fully express through language. Your loved one may be: Hungry or thirsty.
Try to limit or avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
Over time, excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure or brain injuries, both of which increase the risk of dementia. Current smoking also increases the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer's and other dementias is increasing age, but these disorders are not a normal part of aging. While age increases risk, it is not a direct cause of Alzheimer's. Most individuals with the disease are 65 and older. After age 65, the risk of Alzheimer's doubles every five years.
Studies have shown a correlation between diets high in excess saturated fats, simple sugars, and ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of developing dementia. Examples of foods to avoid include processed meats, packaged snacks, sugary beverages and desserts, and excess alcohol.
Remember the 90-second rule? Give patient's at least 90 seconds to process what you are asking and allow them to react. If you keep asking your patients to complete a task without letting them process it, your request often gets lost in translation.
Dementia usually develops because of a combination of genetic and "environmental" factors, such as smoking and a lack of regular exercise. air pollution: research suggests that air pollution may affect the brain and could increase the risk of dementia.
By the age of 75-80, 40% of people have a diminished ability to absorb food-bound B12, says Mason. This deficiency leads to a decline in nerve health, particularly in the spine and brain, which can contribute to the risk of developing dementia in older adults.
Donanemab, like lecanemab, is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody. Antibodies form part of our immune system and bind to harmful proteins to destroy them. Donanemab contains antibodies that bind to a protein called amyloid, which builds up in the brain in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
The vitamins that support overall brain wellness include B vitamins, particularly B6, B12, and folate, as well as vitamin D and vitamin E. These nutrients contribute to cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.